Philippines Mining Protests: Police dispersed an anti-mining human barricade in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, arresting 11 villagers; one was hospitalized, with residents citing weak consultation and permits. Middle East Oil Shock: Fresh US-Iran strikes and Iran’s retaliation pushed crude higher and dragged US stocks, keeping Strait of Hormuz shipping risk in focus. Pacific Infrastructure: The US and New Zealand will help fund a US$60m deep-sea port on Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, a strategic move as Pacific influence competition grows. Queensland–Indonesia Resources Push: Queensland hosted IndOz 2026 to deepen coal and critical minerals ties with Indonesia, including investment and technology discussions. Galamsey Crackdown Pressure (Ghana): A professor urged President Mahama to act harder against illegal gold mining after a deadly pit collapse and rising regional fatalities. Mining Safety & Water Fallout: A West Australian council faces a refund fight with MinRes, while in Oklahoma a Bitcoin mining site was condemned after a 3m-gallon water leak; nearby residents also raised well-water concerns about a sand mine expansion. South Africa Chrome Tailings Scrutiny: New aerial images follow the Dikwena tailings failure, raising questions about how the facility was managed. Australia Exploration Momentum: Gold exploration spending surged in the June quarter, with gold leading a broader lift in resources activity.